11/01/09: The Amazing Race â?? This is not my Finest Hour (The Netherlands)

Tonight on The Amazing Race, the twelve remaining racers departed from the sweltering desert heat of Dubai for the chilly Atlantic winds of The Netherlands. All six teams departed, rushing to the airport like extras in a Godzilla movie before being brought to a screeching halt at the local airport, as the direct flights between Saudi Arabia and Amsterdam were fewer than anticipated. But soon, after eleven hours of waiting, the six teams were off to the nation stereotypically renowned for pickled herring, wooden shoes, and bicycles. But surely, none of these would actually appear on a show so centered on global culture and understanding.

After departing Amsterdam by car for the lesser-known city of Groningen, the teams faced their first challenge: counting the number of bells in Martini Tower, an iconic cathedral. This is the kind of excitement only possible from a seven-time Emmy Award winning series.